The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is urgently hiring vocational rehabilitation specialists and counselors to help Veterans build fulfilling, independent lives after injury, illness, or service-related transitions. Combine your clinical expertise, career counseling experience, and compassionate advocacy to support Veterans as they navigate employment, education, and long-term recovery goals.

For those drawn to mission-driven work, VA vocational rehabilitation roles offer the chance to make a tangible impact every day—while working within an integrated health care system that values collaboration, growth, and service. Check out these two career paths and open roles to see if a vocational rehabilitation career at VA is right for you.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) provide and coordinate a wide range of rehabilitation, counseling, and case management services to disabled Veterans and other eligible individuals through the Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31), also known as the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. Chapter 31 assists Veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and sustain employment. Current openings across the nation include:

  • Pacific District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854799100    
  • Continental District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854798500    
  • Northeast District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854799300    
  • Southeast District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854798300   

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist 

The Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist (VRS) position is also located within the VR&E program. VRSs are responsible for the provision, supervision, and coordination of rehabilitation services for Veterans or service members. In addition to coordinating vocational rehabilitation services, the VRS serves as a liaison between service providers and VA. Current openings across the nation include:

  • Pacific District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854798900   
  • Continental District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854798400   
  • Northeast District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854798100   
  • Southeast District: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/854798200   

Benefits on and off the job

From compensation to coverage, there are many reasons to choose a rewarding career at VA. VA offers competitive benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance, generous leave, and educational incentives so that employees feel valued and equipped to provide the best in care and services. 

Learn more

For more information, please contact the VBA National Recruitment Team at HCSOSONationalRecruitment.VBACO@va.gov. Learn more about an exciting VA career at VA Careers.

Topics in this story

VA CareersVocational Rehabilitation

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20 Comments

  1. Curtis Nagy March 13, 2026 at 07:14

    Ok, cool beans

  2. Stephen Fendos March 10, 2026 at 19:24

    I an a Retired Air Force SMSGT. I have a Masters Degree in Education and a Bachelors Degree in Business and Communication. I have been a Vocational instructor at the high school and college level. I currently am a professional education grant peer reviewer for numerous states and the Federal Government Dept of Education. I
    would be interested in supporting the great needs of our veterans. I live in Idaho. I have a prior Top Secret military clearance an a very substantial background of vocational experience to offer. Please contact me for a complete resume.

  3. Alexander G. Lissow March 10, 2026 at 12:23

    This is a great opportunity to serve those who have served and need support and help. Question: Would an 80 year old, former USMC Officer and USAF Vietnam Vet with service in Thailand, and Idaho National Guard as well… and 21 years in civilian government contracting… and since 1996, nearly 30 years as an Ordained Minister with a Master’s Degree in Divinity and concertation in Counseling, now retired, be eligible for at least part time work with the VA in this area of need? I am located in the Southeast District, living in Tennessee and an active user of the VA Healthcare in Columbia and Nashville. I am relatively healthy at this age and clear of mind and purpose. I’d be interested to apply!

  4. Chester Trent Perry March 6, 2026 at 19:16

    I may be interested in serving the career needs of veterans mostly on a part time role. I served in the US Army for just over 3 years being fisrt drafted and then earning my commission leaving the service as 1st Lt in the corps of engineers. I spent some 11 months in the 4th Infantry Division and then was offered to attend OCS at Ft, Belvoir,Va, graduating as a 2nd Lt. in Corps of Engineers. Because I graduated at the top of my OCS class I was asked by the Commandant of the US ENGINEER OFFICER CANDIDATE REGIMENT to serve as a TAC officer guiding/training OCS candidates through the OCS program to become commissioned officers in the US ARMY. I spent a total of two years first as a candidate and then 18 months leading three classes of candidates through the progam-graduating some 150 2nd Lt. officers in total leaving another 150 men to pursue other non commisioned career paths in the Army. After completing my college degree I served many years in businesses I formed and managed. The most relevant to the VA today is the company I formed to provide carreer consulting services to numerous mid and senior level professionals and managers seeking career changes and growth. I also assisted companies interested in helping transitioning senior level employees in seeking other challenging positions in other companies. I managed my successful company , CTP ENTERPRISES,INC., for over 24 years . Some 20% of all my clients were transitioning military personnel ( officers and enlisted)who were seeking better careers in the private sector. Another company bought my business and I retired.

  5. Martin Bell March 6, 2026 at 04:33

    I am very interested in doing this job or similar, however I live in Scotland UK. There is not a similar service offered in the UK. There is a distinct lack of face to face support for veterans living in the UK! I would be very keen to provide a support service like this in the UK!

  6. Ronnie G. Jones Sr. March 5, 2026 at 20:44

    I submitted a personal letter in reference to the current hiring position and I hope that I sent it to the correct email address provided.I submitted resumes for VRE Counselor and Specialist, in San Diego, Ca.

  7. Ronnie G. Jones Sr. March 5, 2026 at 20:37

    I am trying to send an email to the email address provided, however, it gives me error messages each time. Can someone please help me here..? I am trying to send my email response, but I am not able to do so.. I spoke with a representative, however, right after she connected me.. I got a message that they were now closed.
    She did state as I experienced some technical difficulties earlier in the day while attempting my Zoom call with a clinician. Could not fulfill. I submitted resumes for both positions. As I was formally employed with the DAV, and I am a certified agent to file and submit via uploading various claims on behalf of our veterans. These positions need to be filled fast so that we are better able and better prepared to serve our veterans in need. I stand by at the ready to serve. Awaiting a favorable response from the VA’s hiring segment. I am ready to go. I know several VRE personnel that would surely vouch for my expertise and direct work experience.

  8. Cliff Lightfoot March 5, 2026 at 15:31

    I am an Army Vet. I’ve taught, counseled and advised adult students over 17 years, in colleges/universities in L.A. metro, after serving as a business and government advisor for two global accounting firms. Is the Vocational Rehab. Specialist opportunity one I should consider?

  9. Gregory Prusinowski March 5, 2026 at 11:22

    Is the Veterans Administration hiring Recovery Therapist in the Springfield, Massachusetts area? Do I have to be a Veteran to apply for employment. I am a certified therapist.

  10. Hhans March 5, 2026 at 08:30

    Not completely understanding what you are looking for, however- recently retired from privet industry and formally, active-duty veteran. I can individual and group “commercial, and residential building construction trades” training. In addition, I may be able to connect trained individuals to specific trade contractors for employment, or introduction to professional trade programs.

  11. Charles March 5, 2026 at 06:56

    YES, notify me if you really need help. – I have experience in/out of the military

  12. Richard Gomez March 5, 2026 at 03:00

    Happily retired and also a little bored… told the wife I might go out and find a rewarding part time job just to stay busy and active. Why not see if the VA offers a part time job? Helping a fellow veteran I think is giving back. I am financially set, so not about income or benefiting. Just caring for our service members.

  13. James Cahill March 4, 2026 at 23:55

    Does the VA know about SB1071 ?
    Its a law that mandated college credit for military education and experience in ALL the public colleges and universities in CA?

  14. Robert J Kresge Jr March 4, 2026 at 20:48

    I am retired USN 10 yrs, computer scientist for 40, I am not a Counselor.

  15. Jamie Salazar March 4, 2026 at 20:43

    The job requires a master’s degree in social work and 1 year internship for 60k starting. They need to open it to other degrees to get more applications. I don’t know anyone living in a major metro living on 60k and a masters degree worth of student loans.

    • Frania Beard- Zgorski March 5, 2026 at 17:34

      A VRS does NOT require a graduate degree ANY field .. A MS is required fora VRC.. The VRS is primarily admin to the VRC after the case has been developed..

  16. William Bombard March 4, 2026 at 20:38

    There are no Rehab counselors positions in Glens Falls, NY area.

  17. Dorothy James March 4, 2026 at 20:11

    I have a Masters in Vocational Rehab. How much does it pay?

  18. chuck wilder March 4, 2026 at 20:10

    are you still into this

  19. John A Thompson March 4, 2026 at 19:52

    This is a great article. Where do I apply.

Comments are closed.

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